Description
Learn how to make homemade bitters to use in cocktails, mocktails or as a digestive aid. Bitters are fun and easy to make and perfect for gifting! Here are 4 bitters recipes:
Ingredients
Units
Liver Tonic Bitters
- 1-pint jar with a tight-fitting lid
- 1/4 grapefruit (about 1/2 cup), peel and all cut into small pieces
- 1/2 tablespoon artichoke leaves
- 2 tablespoon dandelion root (not roasted)
- 1 tablespoon burdock root
- 1 teaspoon whole fenugreek seeds
- 1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
- 1/8 cup honey (optional- adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2– 2 cups vodka or brandy (80- proof)
Digest Well Bitters
- 1-pint jar with a tight-fitting lid
- 1/2 pear, firm just barely ripe
- 1 inch or 1 tablespoon fresh sliced ginger
- 1 teaspoon gentian root
- 6 Cardamom pods, cracked
- 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
- 3 whole star anise
- 2 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon orange peel
- 1 1/2 –2 cups Vodka or Brandy (80- proof)
Rooty Whiskey Bitters
- 1-pint jar with a tight-fitting lid
- 2 tablespoon toasted hazelnuts or pecans
- 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
- 1 teaspoon coffee beans
- 1 teaspoon sarsaparilla
- 10 peppercorns
- 1/8 cup roasted Dandelion root (preferably not powdered)
- 1/8 cup maple syrup (optional-adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2–2 cups whiskey
Ruby Brandy Bitters
- 1 pint jar with tight-fitting lid
- 2 tablespoon schisandra berries
- 2 tablespoon hibiscus flower petals
- 1 tablespoon Rose petals
- 1/2 teaspoon orange peel
- 1/4 cup honey (optional- adjust to taste)
- 1–1 1/2 cups brandy (80- proof)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in jar.
- Seal with lid.
- Shake at least once a day, agitation will help flavors and nutrients release more readily.
- Let infuse 1-2 weeks, tasting every few days.
- Filter and bottle. (Here are the dropper bottles we used.)
Notes
Vinegar can be used instead of alcohol. (I have not tried it but it would be interesting to experiment with- I would increase the sweetener.)
It is advised to use at least 80 proof grain alcohol. No need to splurge on fancy here. I often will use 100 proof as stronger extracts more flavor and medicinal components of the botanicals.
I often omit the sweetener until the bitters have fully infused. This allows for adjusting to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 tablespoon
- Calories: 18
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 0.4 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.4 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg